Gentleness

“Gentleness is the Greek word praothv (praotes), which is translated “meekness” in the KJV. It denotes mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness in dealing with others.

Blessed are the gentle, because they will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).

Gentleness or meekness in the Scriptures does not refer to being cowardly, timid or weak. Instead, it is the idea of being tamed, like a wild horse that has been brought under control. Peter is an example of one tamed by the Spirit of God. Simon before Pentecost truly becomes Peter after receiving the Holy Spirit.

Jesus and Moses are prime examples of gentleness or meekness.

All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves (Matthew 11:29).

Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3 KJV)

In the lives of Jesus and Moses, one discovers that “meekness” (wne `anav) is power, strength and courage under control—yielded to the will of God—His plans and purposes.

For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the humble [wne `anav] with salvation (Psalms 149:4).

Consider what gentleness or meekness means in Peter’s instruction to Christian wives and husbands.

Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, even if some disobey the Christian message, they may be won over without a message by the way their wives live, when they observe your pure, reverent lives. Your beauty should not consist of outward things like elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold ornaments or fine clothes; instead, it should consist of the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very valuable in God’s eyes. For in the past, the holy women who hoped in God also beautified themselves in this way, submitting to their own husbands, just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You have become her children when you do good and aren’t frightened by anything alarming. Husbands, in the same way, live with your wives with understanding of their weaker nature yet showing them honor as co-heirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered (1 Peter 3:7).

Gentleness or meekness is part of the believer’s calling and clothing.

I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love, diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us (Ephesians 4:1-3).

Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so also you must forgive (Colossians 3:13),

Again, we are told that the traits of the fruit of Spirit are produced through commitment and effort by the believer—the trait of self-control.